Dan Uggla wins arbitration hearing

MIAMI, Feb. 12 (UPI) -- Florida Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla received $5.35 million for the 2009 season Thursday in an arbitration settlement.

The hearing was conducted by a group of three arbitrators.

Before the hearing, Uggla had sought $5.35 million, while the Marlins countered with $4.4 million.

The Marlins stuck to their policy of ending contract talks if an agreement is not been reached by the exchange deadline.

"You never want to go to a hearing, win or lose," Uggla's agent, Jeff Borris, told MLB.com. "You try to settle, but the Marlins have a policy. ... Bottom line is the team is trying to make the best deal for them, and you can't fault them for that."

In 2008, Uggla hit 32 home runs with 92 RBI and a .260 batting average.

He is of a trio of the Marlins' young sluggers with shortstop Hanley Ramirez and second baseman Jorge Cantu.